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Metabolic Balance vs Ketosis

Last week I had a deep debate with several wonderful Metabolic Balance Coaches and a Ketogenic Advocate. I was absolutely under the belief and knowledge that Metabolic Balance could in no way put a person into ketosis. I was definitely schooled.

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a nutritional process characterized by serum concentrations of ketone bodies over 0.5 mM, with low and stable levels of insulin and blood glucose. The main ketone bodies used for energy are acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate, and the levels of ketone bodies are regulated mainly by insulin and glucagon.

Ketosis - Wikipedia

Definition of ketosis – Merriam-Webster Dictionary: an abnormal increase of ketone bodies in the body.

So basically, ketones can be created during the fat burning process, and used as energy instead of glucose. Glucose is our prime energy source that our bodies require, to deliver to our cells and our cells then turn that into energy. When we eat higher amounts of carbohydrates, including sugar, our bodies create more insulin, which is our glucose delivery mechanism to each and every cell.

During times of carbohydrate deficit, our bodies can change existing proteins into carbohydrates to use as sugars for cellular energy. This is a difficult process but can be done. So, in order to continue using ketones for energy, the diet should be lower in carbohydrates and proteins.

The Ketogenic Diet can be extremely useful for many people who suffer from insulin resistance which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes and fertility issues such as PCOS. With the added dietary fats, the body can burn more ketones as the fat is then converted into energy, and the body become “Fat Adapted”. (Thanks NS for this great information).

Metabolic Balance

Metabolic Balance also works with insulin resistance and can help many people with the same issues, using foods specifically picked out for you, based on bloodwork from a doctor’s requisition. AND it may actually put you into a short state of ketosis based on the food choices that you make from your personalized food list. Because the food list is based on the glycemic load, you will not be spiking your insulin as well as you will be lowering the glucose in your blood. Weight loss can easily be achieved while your hormones are rebalancing themselves, and ketones can be created in the absence of sugars, provided you slightly alter the program and not include the additional fruit or starches that you may have (although we are going for full nutrient value in this program as our goal).

My fine fellow coach and Nutritionist, Melanie Hesketh (from Solera Holistic Health, www.soleraholistichealth.ca), also showcases the great Metabolic Balance program and shared her results for ketosis.

“With so many food options that our clients can choose, I do believe it is possible to get into ketosis with MB. I have many clients who do not eat the bread or cracker and who only eat two fruit per day (and some only eat one fruit-the apple). If they happen choose all the lowest carb foods on a regular basis it is possible to get into ketosis. Here’s a sample of what could happen with all those possibilities charted through my fitness pal using my personal food options and portions. This was with 2 fruit, 3 veggies and only 2 tbsp of oil. (Keep in mind, the carb amount shown is not yet the Net carbs so that would actual be 19 grams lower in this scenario.) The sweet spot for most people to reach ketosis is net carbs between 20-50 g per day but it is possible for some to get there with up to 100g.”

Vegetables do not equal Net Carbs

In all vegetables there are all of the three macro-nutrient groups: carbohydrates, proteins and fats, in different quantities. Also remember the water content too. When counting “carbs”, each vegetable has a different ratio of each macronutrient. Some are higher in sugars and starches, and they raise blood glucose more quickly than other vegetables. The amount of Net carbs is the complete amount of sugars or starches in that vegetable or fruit. The rest of the vegetables or fruits are waterous, fibrous and filled with different nutrients.

Conclusion:

The choices we make on which vegetables we choose can be the difference in our weight releasing programs, on whether we have ketones available to us. If you have additional information you’d like to share, feel free to comment. Since Ketogenic is not my expertise, I welcome all of your knowledge and experiences.

Metabolic Balance & Keto Friendly Recipe: Eggs in Mashed Avocado

Serves 1

2 farm raised eggs

1 whole avocado

Options: Seal Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Paprika, Chili powder, Spring onions, Chives, Jalapeno pepper, olives

Instructions

Turn oven on to 400F. Cut avocado in half and take out pit. Mash avocado with your favorite spices and any additional vegetables that you'd like. I love garlic, onion and basil. Spoon avocado mash back into avocado husks and create a well in the middle. Add avocado pieces to ramkin or other sturdy oven dish. Crack 1 egg into each half of the avocado hole for the egg to sit in. You can add additional spices overtop if you desire. Bake in over between 15-20 minutes or until the yolk is at the desired hardness. Take out of oven.

Serve & enjoy!

References:

https://tasty.co/recipe/baked-avocado-eggs

https://www.webmd.com/women/features/net-carb-debate#1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketosis

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ketosis

https://www.ruled.me/measuring-ketosis-keto-sticks-keto-strips/

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/body/glucagon.html

 

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Michelle Post is a C.H.N.C. Holistic Nutrition Consultant and a graduate of the Metabolic Balance® Program (2016), Business Wellness Systems (2015) the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition 2015, and graduate of the Coaches Training Institute (2009).

"Since graduating from the Metabolic Balance Program I have successfully released over 35 lbs of weight and my energy has increased immensely. It is the best program I have worked with to reset my metabolism and rebalance my hormones. I've never felt better in my life.”

For more information on Michelle’s program, contact now to receive your FREE 20-minute telephone consultation (value over $40)! www.making-strides.ca Phone: 403.266.2867 michelle@making-strides.ca

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